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Rudolph Meiswinkel Obituary
Entered into rest peacefully on March 12, 2013 in Phoenix, Arizona at the age of 78. He was born June 29, 1934 in San Francisco, California to Frederick & Barbara Meiswinkel. He attended Saint Ignatius Preparatory High School and was enlisted in the National Guard. Upon the passing of his father he took over the family plastering business at the age of 23. He served as president and owner of Frederick Meiswinkel Inc. (FMI) for over 50 years. He was the ultimate entrepreneur, pursuing ventures of new business enterprises; always seeking the opportunity niche ahead of the competition. He was a pioneer in such ventures as laser systems in construction and environmental recycling at its onset. All the while expanding FMI from plastering to lath, drywall, exterior finish systems & fireproofing. FMI's commercial projects included Pac Bell Park and San Francisco City Hall's renovation, among many more. Rudy is survived by his wife Karin, and his first wife, Patricia (Gaffney), of 34 years along with their loving children Cathie (Kevin) Andel, Julie Meiswinkel, Doug (Kim) Meiswinkel and Karen Archuleta; grandchildren Sean, Kelli, Alex, Christopher, Andrew, Michael, Nicholas, Dominic, Nicole, Rykken and great grandchild, Noah. Survived by siblings Rosa Schiessl, Margaret (Eric) Hansen, Joseph (Carolyn) Meiswinkel; sister-in-law Diane Meiswinkel and brother-in-law John (Sandy) Plough, along with many nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents, younger siblings Frederick Meiswinkel and Cecilia Plough and brother-in-law Joseph Schiessl. Rudy was the quintessential example of how a small family business, which grew and prospered through hard work and diligence, could impact the economy of the Bay Area, as well as supporting hundreds of employees and their families through decades of time. He was extremely generous and caring to so many throughout his life. He was passionate about the game of golf and passed that on to his children. Gardening was a favorite hobby and he loved boating as well. Rudy will always be remembered for his unique style and the way he embraced life; with fearless pizzazz and courage. Visitation will be held Sunday, March 24th, from 4:00 - 8:00pm with a Rosary @ 6:00pm. A Funeral Service and Reception will be held on Monday, March 25th, @ 10:00am. All ceremonies will be held at Skylawn Funeral Home and Memorial Park, Hwy. 92 & Skyline Blvd. in San Mateo. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the American Heart Association.
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Memories and Condolences
for Rudolph Meiswinkel
Sponsored by Fogg and Vonfeldt Family... Friends.
Bobby Goleman
March 12, 2019
God Bless all the Meiswinkel family. Rudy was a great man who helped alot of people over his life and I'm one of them and I'll never forget! A tough son of a gun with a kind and generous heart! Nothing but respect for Rudy☺
Julie Meiswinkel
January 15, 2018
Miss you Dad! I'm laughing and crying at the same time while reading all the entries. Love you, Julie
February 26, 2015
Smell the sea, feel the sky, let your soul & spirit fly.
With love, Cathie & Kevin
February 26, 2015
It's been almost two years since you left dad. How I wish I hadn't had to leave that morning. I had no idea how tired you were, if so, I never would have left your side. A day doesn't go by that I don't think of you & I keep your picture close by for strength. I pray that you are proud of how I've been handling things. I love & miss you, Cathie
Bob Goleman
April 11, 2014
As we near the one year passing of Rudy and as Goldie and I were not available to attend his funeral I would like to let the entire Meiswinkel family know that the passing of Rudy left a large hole in our heart's. As a man he was larger than life and I miss him as i'm sure you all do. God Bless you all!:-)
April 10, 2014
I cannot believe it has been just about one year since the passing of Rudy … or as I would call him during my "growing up" years: "Mr. Meiswinkel" -- He ALWAYS was so nice to me and always had that "twinkle in his eye" …even when Cathie and I (as youngsters) were doing something a little "rambunctious" !!! -- He was such a diligent, hard-working man ALL through his life and LOVED his work -- want an inspiration he was … and IS! Loving memories and my love to Cathie, Julie, Karen and Doug …
Lisa ("Maniscalco" Lucchesi)
Rick Fogg
April 9, 2014
Rudy was the rock in my world much like a father is in most families. His name was in the conversation constantly when I was young as my dad Bob Vonfeldt was working for him for many years. Then as I matured , I worked for Rudy.. Most memorable is at SF city hall when we had to hire every plasterer available to meet the deadlines... That meant emptying all the halls for hundreds of miles away for every plasterer available.... But we couldn't weed out the bad ones as you're normally suppose to do on contract jobs... This was Time and Material ... So Rudy Said; "you can't get rid of the bad apples here Rick , I'm making just as much money on those losers as I am the good blood. But if you catch em sleeping in the closet , I want them out of here!" ..... Anyway over the years I went my own way and Rudy was always there by phone to help and encourage in business and family .... Was a great guy ...went to his Funeral..... Mostly family commented on his life .... Respectfully .... But he really was a blue collar working mans friend first ....I think we can all agree to that...Son of a Gun is missed
Don Minor
April 2, 2013
Will always share a place in my heart. Was truly a good man. Always respected and treated me fair. So thankful that I had the opportunity to work with him. He was so good for the industry. I wish that there were more men that fought for our industry as he did. Thanks Rudy and God Bless you and your family.
Bob and Dee Gotelli
March 31, 2013
We just heard of Rudy's passing at a dinner party in Napa last night, March 30, via a man who lives in San Francisco. Needless to say, as I sit here reading Rudy's obituary on Easter morning, we are so saddened, not quite believing this had happened. As one of my Meiswinkel cousins that I grew up with, the memories are too numerous to even attempt, except to say that they are all so very special. Our hearts and prayers go out to all Rudy's family and we are so sorry not to have been able to share in the celebration of Rudy's life. Our love to you all.
Robert Frey
March 29, 2013
My deepest sympathies to Pat, Cathie, Julie, Doug, Karen and Karin. Rudy was a great boss, beloved cousin, and a king in the plastering industry. He taught me the business after I retired from the Air Force and taught me to look at problems differently. He was definitely a contrarian and had a unique personality. I was privileged to have worked and learned from him for 10 years. I'm so sorry I was unable to attend his services. My family and I were in one of his favorite places - Hawaii. My prayers and thoughts are with you.
March 26, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with all the Meiswinkel family and friends at this time, his wife and friend Karin, and also Walter, who was his right hand man and friend for 14 years. May you RIP in SF, where you love it the most. May you hear the ocean and feel the breeze.
Love Anita R
Home Care RN
John Hansen
March 25, 2013
It has been many years since Joe and I have seen each other, but I wanted to extend our deepest sympathy and prayers to the Meiswinkel family.
John and Patricia Hansen
Heaven
Janis Armacost
March 23, 2013
Being friends with Rudy's daughter Cathie for over 30 years has given me many opportunities to hear great Rudy stories and meet the man himself. Reading the stories posted here has given me a whole new appreciation for Rudy. Thank you. Rudy touched many people in many ways and may we all find peace and love in those cherished memories. With deepest sympathy to all Rudy's family and friends.
Teresa Walter
March 23, 2013
My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Meiswinkel family during this most difficult time. I met Rudy when he married my friend Karin. I will remember fondly the many conversationss we had over dinner, sailing and at the home in Scottsdale. I always learned something when talking with about the industry and construction in general. He will be missed by all who's path he crossed. My deepest condolences, Teresa Walter
Cathie Andel
March 23, 2013
Cathie Andel
March 23, 2013
Cathie Andel
March 23, 2013
Bob Goleman
March 22, 2013
Thank You for all you did for me and mine! God Bless Rudy and the entire Meiswinkel family. I'm a better man for having known Rudy Meiswinkel!!!
March 22, 2013
It was still a shock getting that final call from Cathie Mar.12. I guess we just
figured that Rudy would keep going on. I was so grateful that I was able to visit with him 11 days before his death and say my good-byes and tell him
I loved him. I told him he has suffered enough.
Our family chain has been broken for the 3rd time now with a sister and two brothers gone. But as God calls us
one by one, the chain will link again.
When I told Eric about Rudy's passing
he kept repeating his name and in tears. I told him Rudy is out of pain and at rest.
I recall back when I was married and Rudy was escorting me down the aisle.
Just in front of us was the darling two
some of Cathie, 3, and David 3 1/2. They were walking hand in hand slowly,
and Rudy kep saying com on, com on, hurry up. Guess that was Rudy, no time
for slowness, get the show on the road
and get the job done.
Cathie, Julie, Doug and Karen, I know you are grieving for your dad. Though
you can not see him, he is always by your side. MARGARET HANSEN, sister
early days of FMI
Cathie Andel
March 22, 2013
spoiling his girls
Cathie Andel
March 22, 2013
aboard Allante
March 22, 2013
Debi Pacheco
March 21, 2013
My prayers to the Meiswinkel Family...I remember Rudy as being a friend of my Father's, Oris, in the Lath, Plaster and Drywall business in San Francisco. My the Lord take care of your family...It's so sad to see another great man leave this earth....
Brent Fisher
March 20, 2013
There are people who pass thru your life and there are people who remain in it forever—even in death. For me, Rudy Meiswinkel is in the forever category. I came to know Rudy thru my role as manager for Dryvit, a supplier of products to his plastering firm Frederick Meiswinkel Inc. He quite literally put our company and products like ours on the architectural map of the Bay Area. In a certain way he put me on the map as well. Being identified as a trusted supplier to his firm, brought you instant recognition from the largest general contractors, architects and code officials. His approach to constructing possibly the most important part of a building—the exterior wall, was never dull. A meeting with “Meiswinkel” meant you had your best game on. You knew it, and everyone else in the room knew it too.
As his obituary shows, Rudy was a legend in the wall and ceiling industry in California. A first meeting with him could make your most difficult boss or college professor seem like a cake walk. He was tough, but he also gave generously. Rudy wanted to help, to teach and to show; and he would make time for you even in what would have been his busiest day.
Just a week ago I told an architect colleague that working with and supplying material to Rudy Meiswinkel was like taking a master's and doctorate in construction science all rolled into one. “We all should be so lucky to have a ‘Meiswinkel' in our lives.” He demanded, expected and got the very best from you. His intelligence and wit trained so many of us in this unique profession that through so many of us he lives on. So I like to think he's not gone, just moved on to another teaching ‘gig'.
Regrettably, I am unable to attend the services on March 25th, but I will be there in spirit. My thoughts and prayers as well all of us at Dryvit Systems are with the Meiswinkel family. May God speed and guide you thru this time.
kaaren alvarado
March 20, 2013
our love and prayers for all of the family. kaaren alvarado and family
Lisa Lucchesi
March 19, 2013
May you be in forever peace ... I have such fond memories of "Mr. Meiswinkel" as a young teenager, while Cathie and I began our "best-friend friendship" ... I LOVE this picture!! It is so nice that I really "grew up" with ALL of you! Much love always, Lisa (Maniscalco) Lucchesi (and Jeff, Lana & Matthew) ... and ALL of the Maniscalco family xoxoxox
Mark Allen
March 19, 2013
Rudy, Was one of my hero's in the industry and was one heck of a guy, i had more fun on the golf course with him he was a classic. He will be missed.
The Allen Family.
Doug, Vi, Mike, Mark & Tammy
Jeff Frentz
March 18, 2013
My sympathies to all the Meiswinkel family. Rudy was an amazing person, and I will miss him. It was an honor to work for him and a privilege to be taught by him. I have never met a more interesting and multifaceted person as Rudy. His gruff exterior and colorful language made for memorable days. But for me, it was the times that we would huddle up in a room, pouring over an estimate and working shoulder to shoulder...he loved to teach, and I tried to absorb all I could. Many people knew Rudy by reputation, but I saw his kindness and generosity, his love for and dedication to his children, In short, a big hearted man. I will always be thankful that God placed Rudy and all the Meiswinkel Family in my life. Regrettably, I cannot attend the services, but I will be supporting you all in prayer. May God's Peace be on you all.
In His Love,
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